i'm not well versed in how signing prospects to EL contracts affects the teams they play for. i know Morrow has been signed, but if he doesn't make the Pens in camp, will he stay with the Winterhawks and play with Pouliot again this upcoming year or go to WBS?

Morrow is a late '92 birthday, sending him back to Portland (WHL) would be using one of their overage spots. While they would be thrilled to have him back. They won't get him. He'll be in Wilkes-Barre (AHL) if he doesn't make the Penguins.

mikey287 wrote:Morrow is a late '92 birthday, sending him back to Portland (WHL) would be using one of their overage spots. While they would be thrilled to have him back. They won't get him. He'll be in Wilkes-Barre (AHL) if he doesn't make the Penguins.

What do you think the odds are that he will make the Pens? Defenders seem to be maturing at a fast pace the past few seasons. But will they have room for him with so many guys already penciled in?

mikey287 wrote:Morrow is a late '92 birthday, sending him back to Portland (WHL) would be using one of their overage spots. While they would be thrilled to have him back. They won't get him. He'll be in Wilkes-Barre (AHL) if he doesn't make the Penguins.

What do you think the odds are that he will make the Pens? Defenders seem to be maturing at a fast pace the past few seasons. But will they have room for him with so many guys already penciled in?

I don't think he's ready defensively. I think he's gonna need at least a year in the AHL. Also, it's a bit of a numbers game...you have 8-waiver eligible d-men I believe right now, you have to think about that too. You can afford to lose any of Lovejoy, Bortuzzo, Engelland or Strait if Morrow really gives you a reason...but I don't think you can pencil Morrow in yet...Despres, Strait, Bortuzzo and Dumoulin probably have a better chance, if I had to name names...but we'll see about training camp.